Pneumatic conveyer.



N0. 705,3I0. Patented July 22, |902.

J. w. SEIFERT. PNEuM'ATlc c0NvEYEn.

v i (Application medv .my a, 191.) (No Model.) z\ f sheets-sheet 1.

w #ag 5 JNVENTO/e v .70 WSW/j VPatented July 22, |902. J. W. SEIFEBT. PNEUMATIC CONVEYER.

(Application led July 6, 1901.)

3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No loden.)

IMQ/NV Affari y THE Nonms PETERS co. Pn'on 'wo ff-summum n. c

J. W. SEIFERT.

PNEUMATIC CONVEYER.

Pafented July 22, |90`2.

(Applimion med .my e, 1901.)

` 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

(No Model.) y

.4 @may UNITED STATES PATENT EEIOE;

JOHN w. SEIEERT, OE wAoo, TEXAS, ASSIGNOR OE ONE-HALE To LOUISE EIKEL, or wAOO, TEXAS.

PNEUNIATIC CONVEYER.-

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 705,310, dated July 22, 1902.

Application filed July 6. 1901. Serial No. 67,299. (No model.)

To all wil/079e il?k Noa/y concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN W. Snlnnzan-a citizen of the United States, residing at Waco, in the county of McLennan, Statey of Texas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pneumatic Conveyers, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings. 1o This invention relates toa pneumatic conveyer, and is particularly adapted for usein connection with cotton-seed and other material for the purpose of elevating and conveying the material to a room or compartment whereitmay be deposited and for transferring the contents of one of said compartments to another whenever desired.

The invention has for its object to produce a novel and improved construction of pneuzo matic conveyor adapted to elevate and convey seed to a compartment and also to transfer such seed from one compartment to another, thus involving a delivery and a receiving connection in communication with a` seed-conveying pipe which is under pneumatic pressure from a suitable source of supply.

A further object of the .invention is to provide an improved delivery means for the seed-pipe, whereby the pressure of air is di- 3o minished at the point or time of delivery and the drawing of the seed into the air-pipe thereby prevented.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved construction of exible valve at the lower end of the delivery-chamber.

Other objects and advantages ofthe in vention will hereinafter appear in the followingdescription, and the novel features thereof will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure l is an elevation with parts in section, showing the application of the seed conveying and transferring means. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectionthrough one of the delivery-chambers on the line 2 2 of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through the upper portion of the chamber shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a detail plan of the cut-off valve located at the outlet from the seed-pipe; and 5o Fig. 5 is an elevation, with parts in vertical section, of an adjustable leg for the conveyer.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts ings.

v Referring to Fig. l, the letter A designates the air-pipe,vwithin which a suitable suction is maintained by any desired device-for instance, a fan A in connection with the pipe A. Beneath this air-pipe a, seed-pipe B is disposedand communicates with the air-pipe 6o within each of the delivery-chambers C, as will be more particularly hereinafter described. One end of `the seed-pipe Bis shown as extended beyond the building, as at B', and provided with `an adjustable leg B2, 65 adapted to withdraw material by suction from any suitable receptacle for instance, as shown at BB--such material being carried through the seed-pipe B and delivered into the receptacle C, as hereinafter described. 7o Communicating with .this seed-pipe is a vertically-disposed transferring-pipe D,provided at its upper end with a valve or damper D and communicating at its lower end with a laterally-disposed pipe D2, having a valved opening D3, communicating with the floor of bin or compartment within which the seed is stored, so that if the valve D be opened `in the transfer-pipe D and the valve Ds be likewise opened for any eompartment'the seed `8o will be withdrawn therefrom and may be transferred from any other desired compartment through the medium of the deliverychamber O of the compartment into which the seed is introduced. This transfer of the seed is particularly important in the treatment of cotton-seed, as the seed when resting in' a mass becomes heated, and thereby injured, so that itis necessary to frequently transfer the seed from one compart- 9o ment to another-in order to expose all of the saine to the air and prevent the'V injurious heating thereof.

The seed when delivered from the pipe B in the-chamber C falls downward through a series of tapering sections E, which permit the gradual escape of air upwardly between the same and prevent the drawing of the seed upward into the air-pipe. By this arrangement the entire pressure of air is not conroo centrated on the delivery-point from the seedtube, but is gradually lessened as the seed leaves the tube by the upward escape of the air between the sections, while the seed falls downward from its gravity and the force imparted thereto, finally resting upon the flexible valve F, connected with the lower portion of the chamber C. These sections E are vertically divided by a number of partitions E', which prevent the seed from passing toward the ends of the sections where the escape of the air is the greatest and insure a more uniform delivery of the seed upon the flexible valve. If these partitions were omitted, the tendency would be to deposit the seed upon one side of the sections, where the air-pressure was the greatest. At the upper portion of the sections and adjacent to the vertical partition E a valve or damper E2 is pivotally supported and adapted to be operated by any suitable handle E3, said valve being formed in sections to conform to the spaces between the partitions andthe section E, Within which it is located.

It will be seen that the tapering portion C of the delivery-chamber C is of greater diameter than the sections supported therein, thus leaving a free space for the expansion of the air and communication with the air pipe at the upper portion of the chamber. For the purpose of cutting oft the air-pressure from any chamber of the series a. sliding damper C2 is provided and is supported by a series of lugs C3, so that the collection of lint and dust which would ordinarily occur upon a track or way will be prevented and a desirable operation of the valve secured under all conditions.

In order to prevent the iiexible or canvas valve F from being drawn upward into the receptacle C and otherwise injured by contact with the metallic parts when under the influence of the air-suction, I have secured to the inner face thereof a series of tapering metallic plates F', arranged with their larger ends substantially in contact with each other and secured to the iieXible material of the valve, so that when the valve is drawn upward by suction these plates approach each other and come into Contact at their smaller ends, so that they form a practically continuous metallic surface to receive the seed when the valve is in its closed position, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 2. The contact of these plates with each other also prevents the valve being drawn upward into the receptacle under any conditions, and therefore limits the closing movement thereof. In order to facilitate the opening of the flexible valve, the same may be supplied with any desired means to normally retain the same in an open positionfor instance, a fiat metallic spring F2, secured at one end to the flexible body and at its opposite end passed between suitable securiug-pius F3, which are adjustably located in brackets F4, extending from the sides of the tapering portion C/ of the delivery-receptacle. As the valve is closed by the suction it will be seen that this spring is placed under tension, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 2, which pressure tends to assist in opening the valve when the material collected thereon has reached any predetermined amount or weight sufficient to overcome the su ction-pressure exerted upon the face of the valve. This opening movement may also be assisted, if desired, by means of weights F5, secured to the lower end portion of the flexible valve.

In Fig. 5 a preferred construction of telescoping pipe for the conveyer is illustrated,

'wherein the main section G, carried by the conveyer-pipe B', is telescoped within a vertically-sliding section G', the latter having journaled at its upper portion friction-rollers G2, adapted to travel in contact with the Seetion G and guide the reciprocation of the section G', so that the movement thereof is readily and easily effected. The lower portion of the section G is provided with a flange G3 to close the space between the sections and prevent the escape of air and the entrance of material into the same. The lower end of the section G has secured thereto any suitable construction of depending bars G4, carrying at their lower portion a securing-ring G5, by which a series of openings is provided for the entrance of air and seed into the lower portion of the section G. The section G' is provided with a suitable handle G6 to assist in the movement thereof'. The leg or section G is connected with the conveying-pipe B by means of a flexible joint GT, so as to permit a lateral movement of the parts in relation to each other, and a cut-off valve B4 is also placed in the pipe B.

In the conveying or transferring of cottonseed and heavier material it has been found that the screen-surfaces for conveying the material could not be effectually employed, as the lint from the seed collects upon the screen, and thus diminishes the air-pressure, so as to drop the seed or heavier material in the conveyer-pipe, thus choking the same and preventing a most efficient operation of a device. It has therefore been found desirable to convey the seed or grain in a separate pipe from the air and to discharge the same downward between the tapering sections E, which permit the escape of air and dust from the same back to the air-pipe, While the grain or seed falls upon and is retained by the ilexible valve until delivered therefrom by the collection of the material or by closing the valve connection Wit-h the air-pipe. It has furthermore been found important to transfer the seed from place to place in the seedhouse, so as to keep it from heating, which occurs when the seed is packed or stored for any length of time in one place, and this heating of the seed produces an inferior grade of oil, rendering the frequent removal of the seed from place to place a necessary consideration in the treatment thereof. This conveyer is therefore adapted to deliver the seed either from a wagon or car into any one of a sel'OO IIO

IZO

ries of compartments and when desired to remove the seed therefrom and transfer it'to another compartment. In the present machine a continuous suction is present, and the operation of the several delivery-spouts is adapted to be readily controlled by the valve's,by which the air-pipe connection with any deliverychamber may be cut off or the feed of seed thereto controlled by the valve E2. By the use of the tapering sections at the delivery from the seed-pipe an escape and expansion of the air is permitted, so that the same pressure is maintained for conveying seed, while the tendency to draw the seed upward to the air-pipe is materially reduced, asthe downward passage of the seed through the sections is not in any Wise affected by the open spaces between the same in View of the gravity and greater force of suction present at the lower end of the series of sections. The flexible valve when closed presents a continuous metallic funnel-shaped surface upon its inner face, which retains a predetermined quantity of seed, thus obviating the wear and frequent renewal necessary in former constructions of valves of this character and also holds the valve rigid in position until a sufficient amount of seed has collected thereon, which by its weight will partially open the valve and deliver a surplus portion of the seed. As soon as this weight is removed the valve is closed by the suction.

When it is desired to transfer the material or seed from one compartment to another, the valve or trap D3 in the floor thereof will be opened and the pressure cut off by the valves from the telescoping section G and all of the delivery-chambers except one. The valve D for the upright pipe D, communicating with the compartment to be emptied,is then opened, so that the seed is drawn upward through the pipes D2 and D and discharged into the delivery-chamber which is in communication with the seed-pipe at that time.

It will be obvious that changes may be made in the details of construction and conguration of the several parts and also the location of the conveyers in relation to any particular structure without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new isl. A pneumatic conveyer comprising an air-pipe, an independent seed-pipe beneath said air-pipe and communicating therewith by a discharge-opening in its under face, a delivery-chamber disposed upon said seedpipe, a section or casing within said chamber beneath said discharge-opening open at each end and spaced from said chamber, and a transfer-pipe communicating with the lower portion of a compartment and with said seedpipe; substantially as specified.

2. A pneumatic conveyer comprising an air-pipe, an independent seed-pipe4 beneath said air-pipe and communicating therewith by a discharge-opening in its under face, a delivery-chamber disposed upon said seedpipe, a section or casing within said chamber beneath said discharge-opening open at each end and spaced from said chamber, a transfer-pipe communicating With the lower portion of a'compartment and with said .seedpipe, a cut-off valve at the upper portion of said transfer-pipe, and a valved inlet between said compartment and transfer-pipe; substantially as specified.

3. A pneumatic conveyer comprising an air-pipe, an independent seed-pipe beneath said air-pipe and communicating therewith by a discharge-opening in its under face, a delivery-chamber disposed upon said seedpipe, a section or casing within said chamber beneath said discharge-opening open at each end and spaced from saidchamber, a transfer-pipe communicating with the lower portion of a compartment,and with said seed-pipe, a cut-off valve at the upper portion of said transfer-pipe, a valved inlet between said compartment and transfer-pipe, a valved telescoping connection communicating with said seed-pipe, and a cut-off between said seed and air pipes; substantially as specified.

4. In a pneumatic conveyer, the combination with a compartment, of an air-pipe at the upper portion thereof, an independent seed-pipe beneath said air-pipe and communicatin g with said air-pipe bya discharge-opening in its under face, a delivery-chamber at the upper portion of said compartment communicating with said seed-pipe, a section or casing within said chamber beneath said discharge-opening open at each end and spaced from the chamber, a transferring-pipe extending beneath said compartment and having a valved opening communicating therewith,-and a valved transfer-pipe connecting said seed-pipe with the pipe beneath said compartment; substantially as specified.

5. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-re- IOO IIO

ceptacle, an air-pipe communicating therewith, a seed-pipe communicating with said receptacle by a discharge opening-downward away from said air-pipe, and a section within said receptacle beneath the opening in said seed-pipe open at its upper and lower ends and spaced therefrom to permit the escape of air to said air-pipe; substantially as specified.

6. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery receptacle, an air-pipe communicating therewith, a seed-pipe communicating with said receptacle by a discharge opening-downward away from said air-pipe, a tapering section within said receptacle beneath the opening in said seed-pipe open at its upper and lower ends and spaced therefrom to permit the escape of air to` said air-pipe, and a vertical partition in said section; substantially as specilied.

7. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-reaway from said air-pipe, a tapering section within said receptacle beneath the opening in said seed-pipe open at its upper and lower ends and spaced therefrom to permit the escape of air to said air-pipe, a vertical partition in said section, a cut-o Valve between said seed-pipe and section; substantially as specified. y

S. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-receptacle, an air-pipe communicating therewith, a seed-pipe communicating with said receptacle by a discharge opening downward away from said air-pipe, a tapering section within said receptacle beneath the opening in said seed-pipe open at its upper and lower ends and spaced therefrom to permit the escape of air to said air-pipe, a vertical partition in said section, a cut-off valve between said seed-pipe and section, and a cu t-o valve between said seed and air pipes; substantially as specified.

9. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-receptacle, an air-pipe communicating therewith, an independent seed-pipe communicating with said receptacle by a discharge opening downward away from said air-pipe, a tapering section within said receptacle beneath the opening in said seed-pipe open at its upper and lower ends and spaced therefrom to permit the escape of air to said air-pipe, a vertical partition in said section, a cut-off valve between said seed-pipe and section, a cut-olf valve between said seed and air pipes, a flexible valve supported at the lower end of said delivery-receptacle; substantially as specified.

10. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-receptacle, an air-pipe communicating therewith, a seed-pipe communicating with said receptacle and said air-pipe, a tapering section beneath said seed-pipe open at its upper and lower ends to permit the escape of air to said air-pipe, a vertical partition in said section, a cut-olf valve between said seed-pipe and section, a cut-off valve between said seed and air pipes, a flexible valve supported at the lower end of said delivery-receptacle, and a series of tapering metallic sections secured to the inner face of said flexible valve; substantially as specified.

11. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-receptacle, an air-pipe communicating therewith, a seed-pipe communicating with said receptacle and said air-pipe, a tapering section beneath said seed-pipe open at its upper and lower ends to permit the escape of air to said air-pipe, a vertical partition in said section, a cut-off valve between said seed-pipe and section, a cut-olf valve between said seed and air pipes, a flexible valve supported at the lower end of said delivery-receptacle, a series of tapering metallic sections secured to the inner face of said flexible valve, an opening device for said flexible valve placed un'- der tension in the closing of the valve; substantially as specified.

12. In a pneumatic con veyer, a delivery-receptacle, an air-pipe communicating therewith, a seed-pipe communicating with said receptacle and said air-pipe, a tapering section beneath said seed-pipe open at its upper and lower ends to permit the escape of air to said air-pipe, a vertical partition in said section, a cut-off Valve between said seed-pipe and section, a cut-off valve between said seed and air pipes, a flexible valve supported at the lower end of said delivery-receptacle, a series of tapering metallic sections secured to the inner face of said flexible valve, a springarm extending upwardly from said flexible valve, and means supported by said receptacle for adjustably holding the upper end of said arm; substantially as specified. Y

13. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-receptacle having an air-pipe communicating with the upper portion thereof, a seed-pipe beneath said air-pipe, and a series of tapering sections located beneath said seed-pipe and each other; substantially as specified.

14. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-receptacle having an air-pipe communicating with the upper portion thereof, a seed-pipe beneath said air-pipe, a series of tapering sections located beneath said seed-pipe and each other, and a series of vertical partitions extending vertically through said tapering sections; substantially as specified.

15.l In a pneumatic conveyer, adelivery-receptacle having an air-pipe communicating with the upper portion thereof, aseed-pipe beneath said air-pipe, a series of tapering sections located beneath said seed-pipe and each other, a series of vertical partitionsextending vertically through said tapering sections, and a sectional valve located between said partitions and the delivery-opening from the seed-pipe; substantially as specified.

16. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-receptacle having an air-pipe communicating with the upper portion thereof, a seed-pipe beneath said air-pipe, a series of tapering sections located beneath said seed-pipe and each other, a series of vertical partitions extending vertically through said tapering sections, a sectional Valve located between said partitions and the delivery-opening from the seedpipe, a slide-valve between said air and seed pipes, and a series of separate lugs for supporting and guiding said slide-valve; substantially as specified.

17. `In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-receptacle, an air-pipe communicating therewith, a seed-pipe within said receptacle and communicating with said air-pipe, and a series of overlapping sections located beneath the discharge from said seed-pipe and spaced therefrom and from each other to provide openings at their upper and lower ends for the escape of air; substantially as specified.

18. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-receptacle, an air-pipe communicating therewith, a flexible valve supported at the lower end of said receptacle, and a series of metallic plates secured to the inner face of said IOO IIC

valve to form a substantially continuous metallic surface when the valve is closed; substantially as specified.

19. In a pneumatic conveyer, a delivery-receptacle, an air-pipe communicating therewith, a iexible valve supported at the lower end of said receptacle, a series of tapering metallic plates secured to the inner face of said valve to form a substantially continuous xo metallic surface when the valve is closed, and

spring-plates extending from said valve to said receptacle and placed under tension in the closing of the valve; substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature 15 in presence of two Witnesses.

JOHN W. SEIFERT. Witnesses:

D. A. KELLEY, N. G. LE GEAR. 

